HomeDog In A Manger

Author: Lope de Vega, in a new translation by David Johnston

Director: Laurence Boswell

Royal Shakespeare Company: Spanish Golden Age Season

Synopsis

Set in Naples, de Vega's play tells the story of the independent, headstrong Diana, Countess of Belfor, a woman in the habit of seeing off the various men in pursuit of her hand, until that is, she finds herself becoming increasingly attracted to her personal secretary Teodoro, a man distinctly lacking in noble blood. This is not a union that the rigid society they inhabit would readily permit, and things are complicated further by Teodoro's existing relationship with Marcela, another member of Diana's household. This is a romance with a commendably dark streak. Diana and Teodoro are no star-crossed young lovers, in fact both characters are fickle, indecisive and cunning; both are quite capable of cruelty as they pursue their passion.

Suspecting Diana's feelings for him, Teodoro is quick to cast aside Marcela who, understandably, is not best pleased. Nor are Diana's current suitors, the pompous Federico and Rodrigo; when they discover where Diana's affections really lie, they soon hatch a scheme to dispose of Teodoro. Lovers are betrayed and increasingly elaborate ploys are concocted as the play heads towards its gleefully amoral conclusion. De Vega's plot twists and turns constantly as events ascend into glorious farce.

Joseph Millson Role

Teodoro

"The secretary, too, given a strong, sexy performance by Joseph Millson, is much more complex than the conventional ardent lover." The Telegraph

Dates

14 April '04 - 02 October '04 : Swan Theatre, Stratford

On 24 July the RSC replicated Golden Age practice and divided the Swan audience by sex: men in the stalls; women in the balcony and gallery.

08 November '04 - 27 November '04 : People's Theatre, Newcastle

02 February '05 - 26 March '05 : Playhouse Theatre, London

Links

RSC

Playhouse Theatre

Reviews